A Dublin Port commission supported by the National Concert Hall (NCH), Starboard Home mines the capital, its port and the Liffey for inspiration, drawing these elements into one fine creative whole. A diverse ensemble of Irish musicians have delivered an album that is true to its brief and rewardingly broad in appeal.
Curated and produced by Paul Noonan (of BellX1) and Gary Sheehan (NCH's head of programme planning), it is a love letter to Dublin, but is nonetheless clear-eyed and honest. Noonan's shimmering Steel Ballet and Jape's longing emigrant hymn The Liffey Knew set the mood.
Gemma Hayes is at her most celestial on Caught In The Rapids, Declan O'Rourke's spoken-word Colossus wallows in Bill Callahan-esque luxuriance and Lisa O'Neill's incredible Rock The Machine will fuel both head and heart.
A spellbinding journey.
